Let’s See What’s New At Madewell For The Summer As A Curvy Girl, Shall We?
Remember—curvy means shape not size!
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by Audie Metcalf
Madewell is a real crap shoot for me.
Sometimes I walk in there and feel transported into a Laura Ingalls Wilder novel, mentally preparing myself for the hand callouses I’ll surely be getting after churning all that butter in my petticoats and gingham frocks.
(Which, frankly, is a look I sort of love.)
But other times, I am swept away into a sea of linens and poplins and classic lines and soft colors that all feel wearable and summery and easy.
Today is the latter. I found some big winners and maybe a couple of less-than winners for me personally, but I feel sure YOU will look fab in them.
Ok. Lets do some shopping.
1. This insanely flattering ruched dress
WHAT: Ruched Flutter-Sleeve Midi Dress*
Pros: Well, all of it. It’s so comfortable and creates a gorgeous line and a cute, little waist even though I’m losing my hourglass waist during perimenopause! Whee! And the ruching on the stomach is a genius way to skim over a pooch.
Cons: That it doesn’t come in more colors because I’d buy them all!
Reference: I’m in a size 4, and I’m normally a size 6 so it runs big.
Price: $168
2. This less flattering but still cute dress
WHAT: The Peyton Midi Dress*
Pros: Unreal comfort. The bust ruching means feeling totally held in with no bra. Super thin straps are lovely even on wide shoulders like mine. Skims over the tum like a dream. I’m in a size medium. Also because you’re going to ask, THESE FLATS* are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn ever.
Cons: Doesn't feel that flattering for my waist but if you have a wider waist it’s perfect.
Price: $148
3. The truly perfect linen pants
WHAT: The Zoe Relaxed Straight Pant in 100% Linen*
Pros: So flattering on a bigger rump and thighs—and no gap because of the elastic waist. They didn’t have these in store but they do have THIS* and THIS* to make them into a set. Also there’s so many colors if white scares you (but don’t be scared! White pants are so chic! These are machine washable! Just throw them in!)
Cons: They run about a size small—I’m wearing a 6 which is my usual pants size but I’d size up to an 8. But here’s a rump shot to see how well they fit the butt and waist:
Price: $118
4. The safari pants with a rise so low I feel like I’m in college again
WHAT: The Everyday Trouser In Poplin*
Pros: Not sure if it’s because they hadn’t steamed them yet or what but these are really giving … safari-era Banana Republic. Which would usually be a compliment coming from me. They’re SO CUTE* on the site, especially in the navy color*, but as someone with a mile-long torso, these were very … vag-slicey on me. Whoops, that was a lot of cons in the pros section. The shirt* is the same one from before and it’s so cute! Don’t be afraid of the crop. I know I’m a broken record about this, but I simply must convince of you how life-altering a cropped shirt can be. I’m wearing a 6 in the pants and a small in the top.
Cons: See above.
Price: $98
5. The Out Of Africa separates
WHAT: Darted Peplum Cami Top* and Drawstring Slip Skirt in 100% Linen*
Pros: Clearly this entire top is a pro. Look at that shape! It’s fitted enough that I didn’t need a bra though a strapless bra would work with it. The linen skirt* is so comfortable and cute and the olive color really creates an overarching Out Of Africa theme, which is what I have been using as inspo for my personal style since 1985. Yes, there’s those flats again, and they’re perfect with this look. I’m in a size 6 in the top and a small in the skirt.
Cons: Zero.
Price: $110 for the top, $118 for the skirt
6. The tube top none of you will want
WHAT: Knit Tube Top*
Pros: It’s chic, no bra required, it’s unique, it’s soft, it doesn’t have one of those annoying plastic grippy things, and it’s a hack for all my big-shouldered, big-armed comrades. I know it feels contradictory but it’s true. I’m in a size small in the top.
Cons: Only that they sell out instantly!
Price: $38
7. The linen shirt I chose solely because of the color
WHAT: The Easy Shirt in 100% Linen*
Pros: Carolyn just wrote an entire rhapsody about this gorgeous lilac-y color and how it looks gorgeous and youthy on everyone. So when I see it, I buy it. I’m wearing a size small.
Cons: There’s not enough stuff in this color.
Price: $110
8. The dress EYE won’t wear but you definitely should.
WHAT: The Rylee Mini Dress*
Pros: As you know if you’ve read our site, I complain incessantly about my legs because my knees shouldn’t be seen in public. But for apple shapes who love showing off their gams, this dress is a DREAM COME TRUE. It creates the most va va voom hourglass shape because there’s a little elastic gathering in the back—but it still skims right over the belly so nothing is clingy or annoying. Also it’s sort of shortish without exposing my whole arse/back of legs. With a little jean jack* and those comfy flats, you have yourself sort of the perfect summer “fit” as the kids say. Actually I don’t think the kids say that anymore. I’m in a size 6.
Cons: My own knees.
Price: $148
Let me know what you try HERE. Byeeeeee.
Audie Metcalf is the Editor-in-chief of The Candidly, and lives in LA with her family. You can find more of her articles here.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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